Floor Tile Adhesive NOT Going Hard

[ChipRivers]

I have started my first floor tiling project but I am worried that the adhesive is not setting properly!

I have laid down an area of tiles which, although the exposed adhesive around the edges has set hard, the adhesive under the tiles seems to be staying soft. I had to take up one of the tiles which cracked and the adhesive was still soft, this was some 36 hours or so after laying.

Is this normal?

 

[faithhealer]

Hi 'Chip', ,what was the Adhesive for starters, and substrate and tiles

 

[ChipRivers]

Hi ya,

Using 'Focus All Purpose Waterproof Floor Tile Flexible Adhesive and Grout' - tiles are Pay Less ceramic tiles - tiling straight onto the original fit vinyl type tiles that were set down when the house was built.

Reading the name of the adhesive, I'm hoping that 'flexible' is the key thing here and that the adhesive remains slightly flexible to allow for cushioning of the tiles!?

 

[TrumpersUnited]

My advice would be throw that adhesive in the bin and buy some powder adhesive that will chemically dry, try and take that adhesive back and get a refund by all means.

But you should never use ready mixed adhesives for floors or walls IMO.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Hi ya,

Using 'Focus All Purpose Waterproof Floor Tile Flexible Adhesive and Grout' - tiles are Pay Less ceramic tiles - tiling straight onto the original fit vinyl type tiles that were set down when the house was built.

Reading the name of the adhesive, I'm hoping that 'flexible' is the key thing here and that the adhesive remains slightly flexible to allow for cushioning of the tiles!?

Sorry 'chip' I don't know how to break this too you but!!!!
Ready mixed adhesive & grout in one tub!!!!!!!!!!!
Onto vinyl tiles!!!!!!
Possibly years to set - if ever!!!!!!

Timeless John.

 

[ChipRivers]

I bought this stuff to do my kitchen floor cos at the time of ordering all the other stuff I was getting to refit my kitchen, this ready mixed 'all in one' option was all they stocked at focus :incazzato:. At the moment I am using it to lay some tiles in my hall way, the majority I have already laid, just the edges to cut and lay now. Is that fact that it has not gone fully hard underneath going to be an issue?

I think that from the advice given I will try and take back what I have left (about another 4 tubs!) and exchange it for some different adhesive to do the kitchen with. However I would rather not have to rip up all the hallway and start again!

 

[chris.tiling]

Sorry, but you will also have to rip up the old vinyl tiles too - and definitely use a powdered adhesive

 

[ChipRivers]

I am definately going to look to changing my approach for when I do the much larger kitchen floor! Is there an easy way to remove the vinyl tiles that are down? I didnt realise you could take them up, they are the type which are laid in many houses from new and often carpetted over!

I spoke to several people previously, obviously not professionals like most guys on here, but they said that it should be alright to lay straight onto the flooring that is there. It may invalidate any guarantee offered on the adhesive but it should not pose any problem. Obviously they were not too well informed!!!

 

[Time's Ran Out]

At the end of the day it doesn't matter what people say - even us - its what it tells you on the tub!
I'd contact the adhesive manufacturers on Monday and clarify the situation. Get it in writing and a 'name' of the contact. You may need it in the not to distant future if you intend to make a claim for tiles etc.


Timeless John.

 

[jay]

hi just wondering whats under the vinal concrete or timber:8: